eco-terrorism

Eco-terrorism is the term used to describe the violence in the interests of environmentalists. There have been cases when environmentalists have inflicted damage to the industrial factories, due to the fact that, they cause pollution and other environmental problems. According to Manning (2012), “Eco-terrorism can be defined as the act of violence or sabotage against person and property commits and support animal right activist.” There are some organizations that participate in it, such as, Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and Animal Liberation Front (ALF). These organizations managed to burn down a ski resort and blow up a laboratory among other things. On the other hand, some groups such as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society are labeled as eco-terrorists although they do not commit such acts of violence against humans- they do not attempt to injure or kill people, but only provoke people through property. This has led to a debate that touches on whether or not to classify these actions as "terrorist" or not. The FBI has given the environmentalists a definition ‘the use or threatened use of violence of a criminal nature against innocent victims or property by an environmentally-oriented, sub national group for environmental-political reasons, or aimed at an audience beyond the target, often of a symbolic nature.’ John Lewis, a top FBI official says, ‘The number one domestic terrorism threat is the eco-terrorism, animal-rights movement.” Eco-Terrorists exploit direct action. This is a politically forced activity undertaken by individuals, groups, or governments to achieve political goals outside of regular social or political conducts. It can include non-violent and violent activities which target people, groups, or property. Direct action has been promoted by anarchists. A group calling itself the Olga Cell of the Informal Anarchist Federation International Revolutionary Front has claimed responsibility for the non-lethal shooting...